Everything about this book was just gorgeous and spooky and poignant. I loved it!!!
Seance Tea Party -- the moment I read the title, I HAD to read thisEverything about this book was just gorgeous and spooky and poignant. I loved it!!!
Seance Tea Party -- the moment I read the title, I HAD to read this graphic novel! It's a shivery, cozy ghost hug of a book about that hard, awkward transition from kid to teen, and it's woven together beautifully through the adventures of a young girl, her seance tea party, and the ghost who becomes her best friend. Heartwarming and heartbreaking and full of the sacred truth of keeping your inner child alive even when you grow up, this is a perfect read for the spooky season. And the illustrations? GORGEOUS!!...more
This book frustrated me so much. I don't even know how to sum it all up, but here's one basic thing: the name. What Lives in the Woods And wGRRRRRR!!!
This book frustrated me so much. I don't even know how to sum it all up, but here's one basic thing: the name. What Lives in the Woods And what DOES live in the woods? I wouldn't know because THAT'S NOT WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT. The author mentions the Hitchhikers, these mysterious, experimental creatures gone wild, and literally does nothing with them. For the whole story. A story that is named after them.
Instead we get a stale, convoluted, frankly boring ghost story that feels like a slapped together first draft.
I think I need to accept that Lindsay Currie's ghost stories are just not for me and leave it at that....more
Like with The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street, there was a definite dip in the middle of the story -- that pesky "murky middle" aI enjoyed this one!
Like with The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street, there was a definite dip in the middle of the story -- that pesky "murky middle" as we writers like to call it -- that lost me for a little while, but I pushed through and ended up liking this Chicago-inspired ghost story. There's a great friendship dynamic in this one, and that always hooks me. Also, LOVED that the parents, who are usually the biggest skeptics in these kinds of tales, are actually the most supportive of the supernatural...to the point that our MC does NOT want her dad to know that she's being haunted. That was a fun twist!
Currie writes good ghost stories, there's no denying that. I do believe I'll continue to pick them up. But it does feel like there's that special spark missing that turns a good ghost story into a SPOOKTACULAR ghost story. As the author continues to hone her craft, I'm excited to see if she reaches that standard. I'll keep reading to find out! ...more
That cover! So gorgeous! Made me want to read the book immediately!
Unfortunately, once I did, I found myself at odds with the storytelling and almost That cover! So gorgeous! Made me want to read the book immediately!
Unfortunately, once I did, I found myself at odds with the storytelling and almost DNF'd it. Some of it was creative differences, but mostly I had issues with a ton of telling vs. showing, random, key elements thrown in as afterthoughts and not fleshed out properly, and a very convoluted plot. Also, the humor wasn't on point for me, and I found some of the dialogue pretty cringy.
Honestly, I was in this book for the witchy besties dynamic, which had strong moments throughout. I'm glad I finished Witchlings, so take from that what you will....more
Oh my goodness, this book. Ash Van Otterloo is quickly becoming one of my insta-read authors. Their folksy, spooky, downright darling stories are suchOh my goodness, this book. Ash Van Otterloo is quickly becoming one of my insta-read authors. Their folksy, spooky, downright darling stories are such a joy to read! A TOUCH OF RUCKUS was magnificent. I adored Tennie and Fox's relationship, the ghosts were creepy as heck, and the setting of a small, mountain-side town was as charming as ever. If I could eat pizza, I would have taken a bookstagram pic with it and this book! Boy, did it make me hungry!! ...more
This is one of the best danged zombie romps I've ever read! From the moment I saw its gorgeous, whimsical cover, I was dying to read Cattywampus! And This is one of the best danged zombie romps I've ever read! From the moment I saw its gorgeous, whimsical cover, I was dying to read Cattywampus! And it. Is. Brilliant. From the animated outhouse to the fascinating folksy setting and the major Elphie/Galinda vibes from MCs Delpha and Katybird, I fell for this story so hard.
(view spoiler)[One of the moments that got me most was when Delpha and Katy realize they're supposed to say the opposite parts of the spell. So unexpected and beautifully done! A poignant reflection of their growth. (hide spoiler)]
This is one of my favorite Roaring 20s debuts by far. I never tire of the magic of true friendship! (Or enemies-to-frenemies-to-besties!) ...more
DANG, this book! Why don't we have more MG fiction with friendships like this? With camaraderie instead of rivalry? With characters who are able to haDANG, this book! Why don't we have more MG fiction with friendships like this? With camaraderie instead of rivalry? With characters who are able to have multiple, equally important friendships? Who all work together, each adding something to the team? Seriously, this is the backbone of The Witches of Willow Cove, and I LOVED it!
Another thing I really enjoyed: the author didn't beat us over the head with explaining a new magic system. In fact, he more or less skimmed over the whole "You're a wizard, Harry" bit and got right to the using magic. Because let's face it, anyone who grew up with HP and all of its subsequently-influenced stories has seen that scene one too many times. Kudos to the author for understanding that about his readership and getting right to the good stuff.
And there is so much good stuff! I know I've already gushed about the friendships in this story, but what about the relationship between the good guys and the villain? Because that was very intriguing and complex. I like that in a book, and you don't see it often in MG.
A splendidly spooky read with a strong villain, fascinating plot, and amazing friendships to root for!...more
Grace's Ghosts has a little of everything for the fantasy lover. It packs a lot of content in under 200 pageGhosts! Witches! Mages! Mermaids! Fairies!
Grace's Ghosts has a little of everything for the fantasy lover. It packs a lot of content in under 200 pages! My favorite aspect of the story was - finally! - POSITIVE parental relationships! Moms and dads in MG who aren't totally useless? Color me impressed.
This quick and cozy ghost story, mixed with interesting magic and budding friendships, is a welcoming weekend read. ...more
